Rich Ranch No Longer Exists

It has been brought to our notice that adverts have appeared in the Middelburg Newspaper stating that Rich Ranch is under new management.
Once again we want to reiterate.
"Rich Ranch No Longer Exists"
The people now on the farm are trying to run their business under our Name.

The Use of the Name Rich Ranch

Please note that Rich Ranch no longer exists.
Should you be contacted by anyone using this name please be advised that they do not represent Rich Ranch.
You may contact me should you need any information:
Estelle 078 451 1117

The Last Post of Rich Ranch.

Yesterday was a sad but absolutely satisfying day. 
How can I explain than this Rich Ranch that has been our joy and our love for the past 15 years is the tool for us to move forward and enjoy our dreams.
I am so thankful to the Lord for making this possible for us.
We have now handed over the keys to the new owners and I have opened and closed all the gates that I used to moan about so much for the last time. If you were a visitor you will know what I am talking about with all the farm gates.
As I looked back out of the bakkie at the dust kicked up by our wheels it was sweet to know that we had done a whole lot of good in a whole lot of lives over the past 15 years, so should you have been a visitor or a reader over the years, I sincerely hope you felt our love and joy in what we did.
I would not change a thing.

Closing The Gate For The Last Time

The hard work - the stress of the business and the staff - the farm attack - the floods - the beautiful sunsets - the quiet of the bush - the serenity of our surroundings - the laughter of the children. All this made us grow into the people we are today. Ready for new challenges and to once again share what we have with anyone that crosses our path.
Should you still wish to follow us on our adventues, you are welcome - You will find us here Time For Us Now
So for the last time - Hope you enjoyed this journey with us.
We wish you Blessings far from what you ever imagined for yourself.   

Last Few Days on Rich Ranch

  It is actually sad to think that our time on the farm is nearly at an end. 
It is now only days away that the property will be registered and we had over to the new owners.
The zip line is one of the last to go and I would love to know how many children got an absolute thrill riding this 100 meter line over the water over the past 12 years. I also wonder how many overcame their fears at the top of the tower and took the plunge. 
Those are our good memories that we take with us.
Richard is harvesting the oranges with the best harvest yet on out one and only orange tree.

The End Of A Wonderful Journey at Rich Ranch

Today I am filled with sadness and yet I am very excited at what lies ahead for us.

After fifteen years of our lives fill with children from all walks of life, we have been taken over by a land claim and it is time to move on.

We have seen so many changes in the school children and I can but only wish that our school system will improve for the better and that our children will walk away with a good education.

I am sure we will be remebered by many of the thousands of kids that have crossed our path. We have shared pain and sorrow with them but more joy and laughter. 

I receive email on a regular basis from kids that camped with us over the years. These kids are now at varsity and some even married.

So now I want to say my last thank you. From the bottom of my heart the most sincere thank you to all the schools that have supported us through the years. I will treasure each and every memory and I asure you the good ones far outweigh the bad ones. You have enriched our lives and kept us young at heart.

I do hope you will follow us on my other blogs as we now plan to do all the other things we wanted to do. 

I am sharing one of my favourite times of the day with you as the sun sets on our Beloved Rich Ranch.

Arbor Primary at Rich Ranch

A very good weekend with very special people.

Thanks all the leaders of Arbor Primary - Once again your school can be sooo proud of you.
 








Take what we talked about on camp and use it this year to make your mark as the Leaders of 2013.

Keep up the good work you do Mrs. L and Mr. A.

We hope to come and visit at your school this year.

Arbor Primary at Rich Ranch

A new day and new adventures for the leaders.

Survivor Nicaragua was never like this. 

We will all be back with leaner bodies and keener minds.

There is something for everyone.

From tough obstacles to puzzles.
Good food and lots of laughs.
Bumps and bruises.

Nothing that Arbor Leaders can not handle.

Enjoy your day back in Benoni Moms and Dads

Arbor Primary at Rich Ranch

Hi Mom's and Dad's of the Arbor Primary Leaders.

Just a note to tell you all are safe and sound.

Done loads already today

Don't miss them too much we will look after them

Arbor at Rich Ranch

Really looking forward to having the Arbor Leaders with us.
They are always great to work with.
Get ready for an adventure.

Witbank Methodist Sunday School At Rich Ranch

We meet wonderful people in our lives who do wonderful things for our children.

One such lady is Miss Linda. 

Thanks for all the hard work and for making the camp such a success.

The children were extatic about it.

Aisha - I hope you remeber your birthday for many years to come

We loved spending the weekend with you and all your friends.

Oranjegloed Landsdiens at Rich Ranch

Dankie Meneer Werner en span. 
 
Ons het vreeslik lekker gekuier saam met julle.

Jammer ons het julle so moeg gemaak.

Ons sien uit om julle weer hier te sien.

Julle kinders is baie grand.

St Columbas at Rich Ranch

On The Water

A big apology for the delay in posting about your school.

As is typical with farm life - somedays we are connected and somedays not.

The past few weeks were those upside down ones.

Back to St Columbas.

All Tied Up

Thank you little people for such a good time we had with you.

All the chatter and late nights.

All the laughs and joy you brought.

Work hard at school - Hope to see you next year.

Middelburg Combined School at Rich Ranch

Hard At Work

Thank you very much for visiting us and for the good time we had with you.
We really hope you enjoyed it and learned a few things from us.
Work hard this year and you will be successful.

Tom Newby at Rich Ranch

Thank you Tom Newby leaders for sharing your time with us. I especially enjoyed our hike this morning. All the chatting and seeing how you enjoyed the outdoors.
Work hard this year and I want to see great write ups in the Benoni City Times about all your achievements.
Once again thank you for letting me be part of you school for so many years.

Tom Newby at Rich Ranch

An Exhausting day for us all, but an absolutely fabulous day.
We have not stopped since this morning but now camp is quiet and all have come to rest.
They have been an absolute pleasure to have hear on Rich Ranch.

Tom Newby Primary at Rich Ranch

The Gang

All from Tom Newby Primary School arrived safe and it's full steam ahead with this camp. There has been swimming and workshops, obstacles and shooting and this is only the first day. Tonight will be an adventure in the bush and then I'm sure more excitement when they can chat to the friends until the wee hours of the morning.
I will keep you as up to date as I can.

Tom Newby Primary at Rich Ranch

Get ready Tom Newby Primary School leaders.
Have a good night sleep tonight as you will be busy, busy, busy for the next three days.
We have loads in store for you.
Looking forward to having you here on Rich Ranch.

Kanonkop Hoer op Rich Ranch

Ons was weer  'n keer bevoorreg om deel te wees van 'n naweek in die lewens van die nuwe Graad 8 klas van Hoerskool Kanonkop. 
Ons hoop julle is baie gelukkig by julle nuwe skool.
Ons weet dat almal wat al deur die naweek was in die verlede is baie trots op hulle skool. Ons is seker dat julle ook sal weer.
Lekker 2013 almal.
Thanks you all who made it a very fun weekend even though we had to put up with some rain showers every now and then.
Thank for all laughter.
Learn hard and enjoy your high school career.
Lots of Love from us all at Rich Ranch. 

Pretoria Chinese School at Rich Ranch

Thank you to all the short people for making our camp such a lovely experience.
Hope you all enjoyed it immensely
Thanks Mr. Moses and team - You are lovely Caring people and The kids are very fortunate to have you in their lives.

Pretoria Chinese School at Rich Ranch

All that we have had so far is laughter and smiles from everyone.

We have been so busy with the activities that not many campers have missed their loved ones at home.

 Sorry Moms and Dads, I am sure they still love you.

Our weather has been good and last night all were even brave enough for a walk in the bush. 
We will try and keep you up to date with what's happening.

Thank You Summies From Rich Ranch

We all at Rich Ranch want to once again thank Summies for the wonderful time we had.



We think this group is now ready to accomplish great things at school

Our Oscar Evening was absolutely awesome with beautiful costumes and speeches at the sit down supper that we will remember for a long time.



We had as special guests such as Harry Potter, Zorro, a few Will Smiths, Miss Congeniality, Cat Woman, Liewe Heksie, just to name a few.

Keep up the good work - we are going to try and visit during the year.

Departure was at 0920

Summies Leadership Course at Rich Ranch

Meeting To Start In A Minute

This is really a different camp to last year. 

It is speachmaking and planning techniques.

It's growing in confidence and putting your ideas on the table.

It's discussions and strategies for the year.

The last camps was kids stuff in comparison and we will come back well equipped to take on the year ahead.

Summies Safe and Sound at Rich Ranch

Summies arrived safely and the weather is a hot 35 deg, so firstly a swim was essential.

They all just wanted to say hi to the Mommies and Daddies at home

Rich Ranch - 2013

It's a brand new year and may all who read this blog be Richly Blessed and may each and every one of your dreams come true.
What a lovely way to start our year.
We are waiting upon a very special group of youngsters from Summerfields Primary School that have been chosen to lead their school to new heights in this new year.
We have some surprises in store for them, so what this space.
We will keep you in the loop.

Eldocrest Primary at Rich Ranch

Looking Very Smart Before Departure

We had a fabulous time with you and your school can be very proud of your behavior. 
I think this is going to be a very strong team that will lead the school next year. 
We are very please to be associated with your school.

Eldocrest Primary at Rich Ranch

Proof That All Your Little Ones Are Safe

Our weather is gorgeous - your kids are great and we are having a wonderful time.
All are safe and sound and enjoying themselves. We have a busy day ahead of us and will try and keep all you unlucky people that had to stay at home up to date.
Enjoy your day and do not worry about your little ones.
We will look after them.

Bernard Isaacs at Rich Ranch

You Loved The Water

Our weather took a turn for the better and we were bathed in sun since Friday so our campers could enjoy every activity out in the sunshine.

They were absolute stars and learned everything we taught them with great gusto.

Maddy Loved You

They conquered their fears on the zip line and splashed and played in the paddle boats.

I hope you had an absolute ball here with us - we loved entertaining you.  

Thank you for being so good with Maddy. Last night she showed how much she loved you.
 
See you next year Mrs. D.

Bernard Isaacs at Rich Ranch

All Safe And Sound

We would like all parents to know that their precious cargo has arrived safely and are already busy with activities. Sleep well tonight knowing that we will look after them as if they were our own. Enjoy your weekend off

Eldridge Primary at Rich Ranch

Some Dancing Does Us Good

Thanks all the leaders for making this a good camp. We are very pleased with the way you handled everything this week. It was rain and showers and then to top it all twice we had a power failure and none of the disasters changed your attitude on camp.
Do great things next year.
Make your school proud.

Eldridge Primary on Rich Ranch

Eldridge Primary Kids arrived safely and we have had one of those exciting days when the weather changes every hour and the kids don't know what to expect next as far as the activities are concerned. 

Their night time activity which was supposed to be a quiet Stalk the Lantern turnout to be so loud all our game have departed and have decided to stay on the next door farm until the kids have left.

Enjoying The A Swim

We are not sure who is scared of who. The animals of the kids or the kids of the animals. 

Any way it was loads of fun and laughter all day and that is what makes our day.

Good night to the families back home - we promise we will look after them.

More news tomorrow. 



 

Germiston Hoerskool at Rich Ranch

Never! Never! Letting Go

A Time To Meditate

Young people from Ahgies, what an absolute pleasure and delight you made our weekend. 

As the camp progressed we saw the change in you and I am now convinced that you are all ready to tackle 2013 and leave your mark on the school.

I never forget how privileged I am to be part of this time of your lives.

I will be seeing you in the new year to be part of your fund raiser.

Good luck with the exams

Thank you Mr. L and Mrs. K

Reiger Park at Rich Ranch

Good morning all my little ones that have been bugging me because your post was not done yesterday. 




Sorry I was very busy.





Thank you Reiger Park Primary for once again being exemplary Ambassadors for your school.

Sometimes The Going Gets Tough

We just love you enthusiasm and the way you soak up all the information we give you.


Now is the time to go back to school and do well with the end of year exams and next year take up your duties and make a difference.

Thank you Miss Rhode you are the star of the show. Keep on doing what you are doing.
See you next year.

Summies Depart From Rich Ranch

It was with a sad heart that all the staff waved goodbye to the Summies Campers.
We had a glorious time and thank you for sharing them with us.
You can be proud of them they behaved beautifully.
They departed at 10:30 and with a short stop at the Ultra City you can expect them back at school from about 13:30
Once again - Thank you Summies for supporting us through the years

Last Night at Rich Ranch

 



Good Morning Mommies and Daddies of Summies Kids.



We apologize for no post yesterday but we had no internet connection.
We did however have an absolutely awesome day.



We rode zip lines and swam and had a potjie competition.



Last night we finished off with Idols and Line Dancing.

Enjoy our photos in our pajamas and doing our relaxation exercise.




Will keep you posted on what time they leave.

Goodnight from Rich Ranch

A good day has come to an end.
Everyone is safe and tucked into bed.
Completely exhausted but big smiles still on all the faces.
Goodnight to you all

Another busy day with all the fun activities coming up now. 

It's the famous Survivor Course and the Water Zip Line today.







Our weather is still beautiful and the campers grab every opportunity to jump in the pool when we break  between activities







Climbing down the kloof into the valley is an awesome experience and all commented on the tranquil atmosphere as you descend the side of the mountain under all the trees with the moss that give a green effect. Just Awesome

A brand New Day On Rich Ranch

Last night we had loads of rain but the campers were out for the count, not one woke up during the storm. This morning not one of them knew that it had rained. The pool was over flowing and everything in the bush was a crisp and clean. 

The sun is out now and after breakfast all were on they was to their different activities.

We had a birthday to celebrate and all are still well and smiling. 


There are a few bumps and bruises and muscles that are stiff but nothing to worry about.

Hope you had the opportunity to visit the google maps link we posted yesterday.

Have an awesome day back in Gauteng.

Night Has Fallen on Rich Ranch

 


Tonight our camp has gone quiet very quickly.
The campers are really tired after an exciting and exhausting day.


This message is from all the kids
"Good night Mommies and Daddies, Grandpas and Grandmas, Aunties and Uncles, Brothers and Sisters, Cousins and Friends.
We love you - Sleep tight" 

This is the first time we have tried this so please let us know if it works.

Use the the following link and you can see the route that the hikers follow:
http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/tlzYEqsqQLI 
 
Thanks for lending us your kids they have been an absolute pleasure to work with.